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10/11/2012

Peter Zhou Reports on Trip to LIYSF as Intel ISEF Award Winner

Peter Zhou of Jericho, New York
won an opportunity to represent the Intel International Science and Engineering
Fair (Intel ISEF) at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) held
this August. In addition, Peter also won a 2nd Place Grand Award in
Medicine and Health Science at the Intel ISEF 2012.The London International Youth Science Forum is a two-week program held annually
for 300 young scientists from more than 50 countries. Below Peter describes his
experience at both LIYSF and Intel ISEF.

What was your experience being an
Intel ISEF finalist like?I am
extremely grateful for having been an Intel ISEF finalist and was amazed at the
scale of the event from the moment I stepped into the convention center. From
the opening ceremony to the Grand Award announcements and all the activities in
between, Intel ISEF offered an exceptionally hospitable environment. Through
daily interactions, I met aspiring scientists from across the world and found
inspiration in the universal nature of science. Looking back, the many dynamic
aspects of Intel ISEF collectively formed what was perhaps the greatest week of
my life.

Can you provide a short
description of your research project and how you initially became interested in
this topic?My father
being a physician, I have always possessed an ingrained interest in science
and, in particular, medicine. However, after a family friend and a relative
were both diagnosed with sepsis, I found a target for my ambitions and studies.
Having read numerous scientific articles and journals, I quickly became
convinced that histones held the key to fully understanding sepsis, and soon, I
witnessed my curious interest evolve into a keen passion.

Driven
by my newfound sense of commitment, I conducted a research project with the
goal of addressing extracellular histones and their effect on a
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-derived in vitro
model for sepsis and inflammation. Through a number of techniques, I
evaluated the histone-to-LPS relationship and investigated the molecular
mechanisms responsible for the histone-mediated hyper-inflammatory responses
commonly exhibited in septic patients. Ultimately, I discovered that
extracellular histones, especially H2A and H2B, interact synergistically with
the endotoxin LPS to create a cytokine storm; I also identified several
signaling pathways and proteins that play a critical role during such an
inflammatory response.

How did you feel when you found
out you won the trip to LIYSF?The
announcement of my name for the award came as a very pleasant surprise to me.
At the time, I didn’t know much about LIYSF or what to expect from the trip,
but that didn’t seem to matter as all I could think of was how unbelievably fortunate
I was to be the one that was selected to win such a spectacular award and travel
to London as the Intel ISEF representative for the science forum. I was
absolutely thrilled when I realized that I had won.

Can you tell us about your
experience at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)?LIYSF invites
the top science students from around the world to attend every summer. It is a
truly unforgettable program where surprising disc
overies are made and lasting
friendships are formed. Whether they examine optics or medicine, particle
physics or bubbles, the distinguished scientific leaders gave engaging and
unique lectures that allowed me to uncover newfound passions across various
disciplines. In no other program can such a gathering of people from all
countries who so strongly share a common love for science be found. The most
rewarding experience of all was to watch the synergistic interactions of so
many brilliant minds, individuals, and aspirations every day. The forum has
thoroughly inspired me and will undoubtedly continue to serve as a compelling
influence on my life.

What was the most memorable part
of your trip?My favorite
aspect of the trip was the opportunity to meet new students from countries all
over the world. I soon discovered that each LIYSF participant was a highly
motivated and phenomenal scientist with a distinct story to share. LIYSF
stressed the importance of camaraderie from the opening day, and it amazes me
when I reflect on how many good friends I made during the short span of two
weeks. While the end of the program was indeed sad, I took solace in the fact
that, although the different countries may be physically distant and separated,
the memories amongst the participants will always remain connected.

How do you think participating in
the Intel ISEF and attending LIYSF will impact your future plans and/or
research?I firmly
believe that being a part of Intel ISEF and attending LIYSF has redefined and
expanded my appreciation of not only the scientific community, but the
international community as well. As a result, my love for science has been
reaffirmed and curiosity has grown substantially. Both ISEF and LIYSF have shown
me the awe-inspiring implications of scientific advancements in a range of
disciplines and endowed me with an incredible impetus to learn and explore more
than ever before. In the future, I plan on taking the insights I gained from
such experiences and use them with the hope that I can achieve my goal of
becoming a seasoned researcher.

Do you have any advice for other
young students interested in science?Continue
to study and learn about all types of science and identify a field that grabs
your attention. After you find your niche, your interest will blossom into a
potentially life-long passion. The key idea to remember is that, while many
people inevitably stress over science symposiums and competitions, what matters
most is your development into a scientist. Mistakes are a regular component of
the scientific process and you should always try to make the most of what you
have. In the end, you will find that the scientific community is both amazingly
diverse and incredibly accepting; if you choose science, you will not be
disappointed.

Final thoughts?I feel
unbelievably fortunate to have been involved in the Intel ISEF and the 54th
LIYSF. Both opportunities were adventures that epitomized the cooperative
nature of science and have already proven to be remarkably influential
experiences that I will continue to cherish.